Without naming a new director, the Trigg County Tourism Commission discussed appointing an applicant to the post, and a merger between it, the Economic Development Commission and the Chamber of Commerce.

Commissioner Alan Watts said that the Tourism Commission and other entities received state funding and regulation from policies outlined in the Kentucky Revised Statutes, and was unsure if funds could be used for non-tourism promotions.

“Tourism commissions have established regulations and procedures,” said Commission Chairman John Rufli. “We are told what to do, who is on the committee and how we spend money.”

Commissioner Greg Batts said, “It may take a while to do this, we need an executive director in the position now.”

Rufli said that he liked the notion of uniting efforts with the other entities towards working toward a common goal, but held some reservations. “If we merge, who will head the group and make choices for us all. We may have three groups who will work to protect their status.”

Though narrowing the candidate field from 57 to 12 candidates for the executive director’s post at their last meeting, the commission has made no progress towards selecting a finalist for the position.